The debate over whether DC should become a state has lingered for more than 200 years. But with a growing number of organizations advocating full representation for Washingtonians, and city politicians currently jetting from state to state in what they hope will be a nationwide tour to drum up support for DC Statehood, the issue of whether the nation’s capital should become New Columbia is quickly spilling out of the Beltway and onto the national consciousness. Here’s a bit of background so that the next time you hear some guy at a bar say, “Ya know, we can’t even vote,” you’ll be able to do more than just nod along.